Wayne, why do you consistently and publicly rail against this project wherever it happens to garner favorable press?
My tours are free, fun, and just getting started. All start-ups take some time, patience, and consistency. The first tour had an assembly of 25-30 folks that ebbed and flowed throughout the evening, this last averaged about a dozen, and as the case with non-RSVP events, I have no idea how many folks are thinking of attending the light rail tour.
As I had said in my response to your nasty diatribe on my last press article, I have some very active local arts consumers on my tour (and no, that's not just a euphemism for people who make small contributions in one way or another-- but ACTUAL collectors! Holy cow!) And the others are there mostly for the fun of it. To see some great art and spread the word about it. Maybe they remember the work and the artist when they have the means to invest. Or, as has happened on the tour already, someone sees a work and actively saves up to buy it, though they can't afford it that evening. As Julie said, building a network of folks who love the downtown, the art, the culture, can't be such a bad thing, can it?
And, please, instead of being a naysayer-- give me some constructive criticism! Like I said, I'm just getting started and need some help on figuring out how to get folks downtown, how to disseminate the information, and how to encourage investment!
(On a side note....and I'm little surprised to be explaining the concept to a visual artist.... my 'self-absorbed dress up' and 'Miss Kitty costume' is to create visual spectacle. Like encouraging everyone to wear red. When we're out and we're visible-- heck, YOU saw us! -- it's free advertising for the next tour. And playing 'tour guide' is one of the many costumes I've donned as a performance artist. If you think something like a sandwich board would be a better way to attract attention and encourage increased attendance, again, feel free to contribute HELPFUL input. Maybe I can borrow your 'Starving Artist' sandwich sign?)
